Saturday, October 18, 2014

High Triglycerides . . . This Battle Just Got Real!

At his doctor's appointment this week we reviewed the results of my 15 year-old son's blood work. Due to a new medication that he is on, he has blood drawn monthly. Everything has looked great for the past four months, but not this time. His triglyceride levels have spiked. High enough that if they are still at this level next month he will have to go off the medication.

I've often worried about my kids and blood work. Would it reveal high cholesterol? Pre-diabetes? Any number of problems that can be caused by being overweight. Another layer in the coating of worry and guilt that I carry due to the impact my poor coping skills and crazy emotional eating has had on their childhood.

There are two good points in receiving these bad results:
1) We have some control over his triglyceride levels other than adjusting the medication. Making changes in his activity level, eating habits and weight can lower those numbers.
2) I am prepared. For the past four years I have gathered information and tried new things and changed my own life.

I've been working hard to motivate my kids to be more active and live a healthier lifestyle. Over the years I've seen multiple successes. But this battle just got real. It's no longer about their future health and happiness. It's about right NOW.

It's time to be a strong motivator, a creative chef, an educator and an example. Getting my teenager to eat more fruits and veggies is going to be hard. Getting my teenager off the couch everyday is going to be hard. Keeping myself smiling and positive and not frustrated is going to be hard. But I'm up for the challenge and ready for battle. Let's Go!!!